[bksvol-discuss] Update on us
- From: "Shelley L. Rhodes" <juddysbuddy@xxxxxxxxxxxx>
- To: <bksvol-discuss@xxxxxxxxxxxxx>
- Date: Sat, 14 Jul 2007 20:24:26 -0400
Hi Everyone, warning this is going to be long.
it has been well a couple of weeks since I could actually post something
meaningful on the list. The summer is definitely not turining out the way i
planned.
First of all, the convention was a blast. Pratik and I attended the Users
group which was a lot of fun, and I also got to talk to John Glass and check
out his Icon, love the design much better than the Brailleplus, but alas the
Braille Plus is available on Quota funds, and I am afraid will make more
money than the Icon.
I didn't run into Kelly Heartman though, and regret that. Was kicking
myself as I was flying on the plane that I hadn't sent my cell number out,
and at the hotel couldn't access the stupid wireless network.
Sigh.
But it was a blast, and a lot of fun. Presentations were great, and I had
fun, won some doggy related prizes, spent too much money in the Exhibit hall
as I always do, smile. But john is a real honest to goodness person, smile,
and I am excited by the changes that are being made.
I do have some bittersweet news too. As of August 12, Judson will no longer
be a guide dog.
I have had him now for seven years, and absolutely adore him. But Boston,
has not been kind to him, and my work is very challenging. He hasn't walked
truly fast for a couple of years but I adjusted my stride to his, and we
worked through alll the doggy things, and finally clicked as a true team,
about two years ago.
I filled out an application in April, as I wanted another golden retriever
for the next dog. They said it might be a year's wait which was fine, but
if they contacted me sooner would I go. The answer was yes, as my dog has
been a great one, but he doesn't enjoy working particularly my long days in
Chelsea.
Well.... I have a class date, it is August 12, in the Oregon class at Guide
Dogs for the Blind.
Judson does have a great home lined up, and I have been crying off and on
for the last two weeks since I found out. On July 5, we celebrated our
seventh Anniversary, and I knew then that he was retiring. he is my first
guide, and I know I will work through this.
But I will let the list know what pup I get, what gender, and whether a lab,
golden, or a goldador, smile, when I know which will be August 13.
Judson is going to live with my mother in Pennsylvania. She is coming up to
pick him up in August.
Honestly I think Boston was a great thing for him. He showed a desire to
work, and a spark of understanding which was impressive, smile. I have
learned a ton from this dog, and I know he has taught me patience, and love,
and consideration of my dog's feelings and concerns.
So.... It is going to be a hectic summer, and with a lot of feelings, both,
sad, joyous, bittersweet, anxious, and everything in between.
I am also working at our summer Program for students called CarrollKids, and
have been in Newton since last Sunday, i got part of today, Sunday and
Monday off, and have to be back for the rest of the week on Tuesday. The
program is fun, and I have a lot of time in the evenings for reading books,
as there is no television and we are sharing computers!
But I get done with CarrollKids on August 9 and fly off to Oregon on the 12.
Sigh.
So if you all need to contact me, write me privately and I will try to
answer. smile.
TTYL.
Shelley L. Rhodes M.A., VRT, CTVI
and Judson, guiding golden
juddysbuddy@xxxxxxxxxxxx
Guide Dogs For the Blind Inc.
Graduate Alumni Association Board
www.guidedogs.com
More than Any other time, When i hold a beloved book in my hand, my
limitations fall from me, my spirit is free.
- Helen Keller
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